The recipient of the 2013 Elkes Family Scholarship, Matthew F. Johnson is a student at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, where he has spent his freshman year studying Culinary Fundamentals, Meat Fabrication, and Modern Banquet Cookery, among other subjects. Hailing from "meat-and-potatoes land," Matthew has discovered a passion for seafood, and he is about to embark on an externship in Seattle. (He also confesses that fish has taken up the bulk of his meal plan on campus.)

"The sense of security this scholarship has given me has allowed me to focus on my education, and it gives me confidence to keep pursuing my interests in this challenging field," Matthew told us in an email. "It’s also a cool thing to say that the James Beard Foundation has my back!"

As you can see in the below video, Matthew is also a budding motivational speaker. His new YouTube film, Our Potter Potential, aims to inspire his generation to work hard, strive for noble goals, and change the world. Watch it below.